Practical Traveling Wave Parametric Amplifier for Quantum Computing and Mixed Signal Applications

A collaboration between research engineers at Solid State Scientific Corporation and the University of MassachusettsBoston proposes the exploration of a new class of superconducting traveling wave parametric amplifier (TWPA) that exploits the large nonlinear inductance of a unique quantum device known as a superinductor. The nonlinear properties of the superinductor provide high gain of weak signals traveling in the forward direction, but exponential de-amplification of noise signals that may travel in the reverse direction through the amplifier. These attributes obviate the need for the specialized cryogenic microwave components like circulators and isolators that are required to isolate the Josephson parametric amplifiers used todaycomponents that normally consume significant space, produce unwanted magnetic fields, are costly, and degrade measurement performance. In addition, the proposed TWPA promises high dynamic range and wide bandwidth, making it robust, easily integrable into experimental setups, and cost-effective for researchers in the quantum information sciences or mixed signal domains. The proposed Phase I effort will study the required parameters, design the amplifier, and derive the expected performance of the TWPA device.